Work-Study

Students who file the FAFSA before March 1, indicate on the FAFSA that they are interested in receiving work-study funds, and demonstrate financial need through their FAFSA may be eligible for the College Work-Study Program.

Funding

• College Work-Study (CWS) subsidizes some student jobs with federal, state, and institutional funds
• The employing department pays 40% of wages while the College Work-Study Program funds the remaining 60%. Departments that are determined by the Student Employment Center to qualify as community service are responsible for 25% with work-study covering 75%.
• CWS benefits both the employer and the student
  • Employers only have to pay a portion of the CWS student's payroll
  • Students may credit their CWS income as financial aid to reduce their Student Contribution and increase their eligibility for future need-based aid

Procedure

• Student eligibility for employment under CWS is based on financial need, as determined by the FAFSA
• Pay rates and job descriptions for CWS-funded positions are identical to those for similar positions not funded through CWS
• Students authorized for CWS receive preference in hiring, so it's best to indicate interest in CWS when completing the FAFSA
• Students who are eligible for CWS will be notified of their eligibility on their award letter
• Funds for CWS are limited, and not all students who are eligible can be placed on the program
• Students should begin their job search and arrange interviews as early as possible during the first week of the semester
• A great resource to find both CWS and non-CWS jobs is the Student Job Board
• Remember, many part-time jobs on-campus and in the Ames area are not funded through CWS, so CWS funds may be exhausted by the time a student finds a position